Here is a tree that was planted four months ago. Ever since then, I have followed its decline because I pass it every day on my way home. Unfortunately, it is now dead.

What happened? The property maintenance company that planted it surely is motivated to see it survive.

They water it regularly with a gator bag. They will have to replace it since it died within the warranty period that is commonly offered in that industry. The answer is in how it is watered. Lift up the gator bag, and it becomes clear what is happening.

Notice the new root growth that has resulted from the watering technique (gator bag)
employed here. These roots are called adventitious roots because of their origination from the stem of
the tree. Because they are not forming underground, they will not be very helpful to the tree in the long
run. In fact, they will probably be the cause of the tree’s death. When water is applied only to the
shoulder (the top) of the root ball, that is where the roots will grow.

Roots belong underground. And watering techniques should encourage the formation of underground
roots instead of adventitious roots.

Here we see new roots growing underground because of the installation of rootwells in the dripline
and away from the stem. When water is applied in this area instead of to the stem, a more natural and
healthy progression of root growth occurs. Obviously, this is to the benefit of the tree.

If rootwells are specified and employed in the planting of trees, we will see much healthier trees as well
as cost savings in both maintenance (less water needs to be used) and replacement.